Renowned defence coach Shaun Edwards has confirmed his move to the Argentina setup, signing a deal that will keep him with the Pumas until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. This appointment effectively ends recent conjecture suggesting the 59-year-old might take a position within Steve Borthwick’s England coaching team. Edwards is currently slated to complete his existing consultancy commitments with England’s women’s team before formally transitioning to work under head coach Felipe Contepomi.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Edwards noted, “I’m delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia.” The former Wigan rugby league legend added, “I’ve always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year.”
Edwards will begin his new role at the end of October alongside Mario Ledesma, the former Pumas hooker and head coach who has been named to oversee the team’s forwards. Their arrival coincides with a demanding November schedule where Argentina is set to face Ireland, Italy, and France in Nations Championship fixtures.
Regarded as one of the most decorated figures in modern rugby, Edwards recently departed his post as the men’s defence coach for France, a tenure that saw him help secure three Six Nations titles. His extensive resume also includes 12 successful years with Wales and significant silverware while on the staff at Wasps, including four English titles and two Champions Cups. He previously expressed interest in coaching within the Rugby Championship, which features Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina.
The veteran coach’s history with the English game includes a 2006 decision to decline a coaching opportunity with his home nation to prioritize the busier fixture schedule at Wasps during a period of personal bereavement. In 2008, he chose a defensive role with Wales over leading the England Saxons and, in 2021, opted to extend his contract with France after a meeting with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney failed to produce a concrete offer.
Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, which is scheduled for October and November, Argentina has been placed in a pool alongside Fiji, Canada, and Spain as they seek to improve on their history as three-time tournament semi-finalists. Three-time semi-finalists Argentina have been drawn in a pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada at the World Cup which takes place between 1 October and 13 November in 2027.
